WASHINGTON – In his first major speech to Congress, President Donald Trump outlined the agenda for his administration.
The speech focused on unity, growth for the country and many of the promises Trump made during his campaign.
He talked about what he believed were his biggest accomplishments in his first 40 days in office, such as investments by companies in the United States, the gains in the stock market, withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership and “draining the swamp.”
In the coming months, President Trump wants to focus on the construction of the wall along the southern border, expanding drug treatment, destroying ISIS, confirming his Supreme Court nominee, Neil Gorsuch, implementing tax reform, improving the country’s infrastructure, repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, expanding the military and pulling back on government regulations.
Although the speech made a lot of promises, there were few details for how Trump planned to accomplish those goals.
Here’s some reaction from some of Colorado’s Congressional delegation:
“Tonight, President Trump outlined his plan to tackle our country’s challenges. I am encouraged that he prioritized strengthening our economy and boosting job creation as well as addressing our broken health care system. Equally as important, the President highlighted the increasingly complex security threats we’re facing around the globe, including Iran and ISIS. After eight years of a failed foreign policy that led to emboldened regimes and instability in the Middle East, it’s critical that the United States stands up to its adversaries and stands by its allies.
“While headlines may reflect polarization, I remain convinced that more unites us than divides us. Our shared love and respect for democracy continues to make America the greatest nation on earth. Our country is still one that strives to inspire, innovate, invent, and above all – promote and create opportunities. I’m committed to working with this Administration on behalf of Coloradans to strengthen our country and make it easier for every American to succeed.”
Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet:
“I am pleased the President condemned the recent hate crimes and attacks on Jewish community centers and cemeteries. Such actions have no place in the United States or anywhere else.
“I have long said I will work with anyone to rebuild our infrastructure, fix our broken immigration system, educate our children, protect our environment, reduce our debt, and repair our health care system. In the days ahead, I hope the President will start the hard work of building consensus and leave the campaign behind.”
“The president’s address was a reminder that America is strong when we stand together and work to achieve common goals. We all want a robust economy, affordable and accessible health care, safe communities, and a better future for our kids. Tonight, the president laid out what his governing vision is for America – much of which Republicans in Congress have already started working on as part of our Better Way Agenda.
“We’re repealing and replacing Obamacare with a health care system that lowers costs, increases choice, and ensures all Americans can access the health services they need. We are taking steps to roll back the federal overreach that has plagued small-business owners and entrepreneurs over the last eight years, because a vibrant Main Street is critical to a strong economy. We are also working toward streamlining and simplifying our tax code, so businesses will feel confident investing in the United States and Americans can keep more of their hard-earned money.
“We’re at a pivotal point in our nation’s history, and I look forward to continuing the work that will advance policies that benefit the families of the Third Congressional District of Colorado.”
Shira Stein is a reporting intern for The Durango Herald in Washington, D.C., and a student at American University. Reach her at sstein@durangoherald.com and follow her on Twitter @stein_shira.
